Firstly hello everyone. It’s my first post and wanted to come on here to get some feedback from you knowledgable folk on here.

I’m currently looking at upgrading to a newer diesel l322

I’ve just gone for a test drive in a 2009 3.6 tdv8. It’s a high miler at 170k but seems to be mainly motorway miles. Has reasonably service history but hasn’t been serviced since nov 2016 at 144k according to the manual.

Now my main concern is that when I took it for a test drive it seemed fine but after I pulled out of a junction about 1/4 mile from setting off I noticed a lot of blue smoke coming out from the back. This lasted for about 30 secs but after that it cleared and I didn’t see any further smoke from the back for the rest of the 20 min drive.

When I get back the dealer said that this is probably because it has been stood for a while.

Also the brake pedal seemed to be very spongy and think it might need a new servo? Is this a tricky job or straight forward?

I really appreciate any feedback you guys might have.

Cheers 🍻

144k to 170 without a service...
It may have had one and just not recorded, but you would expect there to be a receipt for parts in that case.

Spongy brakes could be it needs a brake fluid change.

On the smoke, I don't know much about the 3.6, but suspect it could be a bunch of things. If it has been sat then worst case it could be turbo seals, so early warning of needing a turbo swap.

To be honest, if your not sure about the brakes and exhaust smoke I would walk away.
Or go back another day for a test drive from engine cold (i.e. dealer not warmed it up to clear any smoke) Too many toys, not enough time

2011 4.4 TDV8 AB Black

Mileage is not a stumbling block nor to be fair is the missing last service.
In my eyes the first few years servicing is most important, if that’s been done properly then the last one isn't a big deal.
My 4.4 TDV8 missed it’s last service by quite a margain but three days after I got her I had a mega service carried out with everything changed by a good Indy. The blue smoke is more of a worry & could just be oil sitting in the turbo until you gave her a blast.
One assumes you’ll get a minimum of 3 months warranty by law?
If in doubt, walk away & keep looking on here as the odd one comes up for sale from genuine enthusiasts.
I’m a great believer in ‘gut feeling’ only you will know if this one’s right.
Good luck with your search, be interesting to keep us informed on how you’re getting on & also what you’re changing from? 2012 Orkney Grey Westminster 4.4TDV8 with Ivory interior.........nice!
BMW R1200GS
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Just one Montesa now, 349 White Wonder
Austin A40 Farina MK2
1975 Morris Marina 1.8TC

Last edited by Fox889 on 16th Oct 2019 12:33am. Edited 1 time in total

Thanks for the feed back John. Much appreciated!

The garage who has it up for sale purchased it from another larger dealer and apparently there were no receipts that came with it. Just the service manual.

It’s a real shame as I was about to put a deposit on it until I saw the oil smoke. Just seems strange that it went away and then didn’t smoke at all during the rest of the drive. I would have thought that if it was the turbo seals that’s it would smoke all the time?

I was wondering if it could be something else... it was cold when I got there and started it up as I dropped in on them unannounced so there is the possibility that it had been sat there for a while.

What to do... 😬😕

I'd look at more 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
New Defender D300 90 on order so "Rory" will be going to a new home....!
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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+1 with all the replies, walk away if you aren't certain and keep looking.

And it's sometimes "convenient" for dealers to not have receipts etc. if you see my meaning. Cheers
Richard

(there are no such things as an ordinary FullFat, an ordinary cat or too many tools)
2011 TDV8 Vogue Santorini Black
Gap IIDBT

I’d always recommend a forum car ....and it’s a 4.4
https://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic52154.html
 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
New Defender D300 90 on order so "Rory" will be going to a new home....!
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
--------------------------------------------------

Like previous reply’s walk away if any doubt, there are plenty out there , Good luck 2004 vogue
1978 Pontiac Firebird
2010 Fiesta

Well here’s an update...

I went to see another 4 similar 3.6’s during the week and none of them seemed to be in as good a condition as the first one I saw, so I decided to go back for another look. I took my father with me this time so he could follow me when I took it for a test drive. I called in un-announced and the engine was cold and it didn’t look like it had moved from the spot I left it in earlier in the week. I started her up and we couldn’t see any blue smoke from her. We then took her for a good 30 min test drive with my father following me. We went through villages and also down some good national speed limit roads where I managed to give her a good work out. During this my father never saw any blue smoke.

So I deceived you shake on a deal with the dealer which includes a full mechanical warranty for 3 months.

Fingers crossed I made the right decision. The way I looked at is that it was 4K cheaper than the other ones I was looking at which were of a similar spec and age but obviously this had higher mileage. But with that 4K saved it should cover me if for example the turbos do end up needing replacing at some point. Plus at that time I’ll know that I now have new turbos. I could have spent an extra 4K and still ended up with problems down the line...

Anyway here’s hoping she’ll be a good buy!

I’ll keep you guys updated 👍🏻

Thanks for the feedback and advice 😊

Sorted then. They don’t really like being shunted around car forcourts so prob just needed a blast to clear the crap out. Give it some use in the warranty period to make sure you unearth anything and take it from there.

You got any pics?

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

Good luck with the car, obviously the next step is to post up some pics  2004 vogue
1978 Pontiac Firebird
2010 Fiesta

I’ll be picking her up on Monday so I’ll get some pics took then and post them.

One thing I do need to do is get a decent set of tyres put on her.

Do you guys have any suggestions on tyres? Looking for something that’s a good all rounder really. Maybe an all season as we do get some snow up here in the winter months.

Also thinking of getting some side steps as this one doesn’t have any on it. I saw one with electric retractable ones on when I was viewing. Are these any good? Think they might be out of my price range...

General Grabber AT3 get good reviews and competitively priced. 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
New Defender D300 90 on order so "Rory" will be going to a new home....!
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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Perhaps take it to a decent recommended independent LR specialist for a once over too?? What j did. Front lower arms are a known wear point 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
New Defender D300 90 on order so "Rory" will be going to a new home....!
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
--------------------------------------------------

Ooooo 2 more sleeps

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport